Plans revealed to convert a former church in Ainsdale into a block of 12 flats

A FORMER church building in Ainsdale could soon be demolished and turned into a block of 12 self-contained flats.

Councillors on Sefton’s planning committee are set to debate the application for the vacant building at the corner of Shore Road and Mossgiel Avenue, adjacent to Ainsdale Railway Station, next Wednesday.

Five neighbours have submitted objections, concerned the development’s shape and height would mean it is “out of character with surrounding property and the village environment.” They also cite inadequate parking.

In his report to councillors, Sefton planning director Andy Wallis recommends that the scheme be approved.

He said: “With regard to neighbour comments, the existing parking situation is known to be caused by the proximity of the site to Ainsdale Railway Station.

“Sufficient provision is made on site and it is unreasonable to expect the developer to take steps to resolve a situation where vehicles park legally. The blocking of drives would not be an issue for planning and there is no evidence that the granting of permission would increase this possibility.”

He added that there were several applications at 3 Mossgiel Avenue between 1987 and 1989, for a care home and for apartments, which were successively refused, but added that there were different circumstances involved.